Drug Enforcement Administration

Twelve Indicted For Acadiana Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

LAFAYETTE, La. - Drug Enforcement (DEA) Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eric Watson and United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that 12 people were indicted Wednesday in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Lafayette and the surrounding areas. Those named in the 15-count indictment are:

According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Lafayette and the surrounding areas from April 2015 until Wednesday. All defendants have been arrested. In addition to the conspiracy count, there were three counts of distribution of (Counts 2 to 4) and 11 counts of use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating a drug trafficking (Counts 5 to 15).

The defendants face various possible penalties depending on the drug quantity involved, their role in the conspiracy and their drug history. On the conspiracy and distribution counts, some defendants face up to life in prison, and others face up to 20 years or 40 years in prison. The defendants also face up to 10 years of supervised release. The penalties for use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating drug trafficking are up to eight years in prison and up to three years of supervised release for each count. Additionally, the defendants face fines up to $20 million and forfeiture of property seized in the case.

The (Lafayette Task Force), Louisiana State Police and Lafayette Metro (LMN) participated in the investigation, and the ATF, FBI, DEA Task Force, St. Martin Parish Sherriff’s Office and LMN assisted in the apprehension of the individuals named in the indictment.